North Sweden Cleantech and innovation power for Green Transformation: A sustainable Future of Northern Sweden

• February 9, 2024
• admin

Preamble: North Sweden Cleantech has emerged as a pioneering force for sustainable innovation in northern Sweden. By bringing together SMEs with supportive environments and systems, the initiative has not only accelerated the region’s transition to a greener economy, but has also renewed and expanded its commitment to a sustainable future through the follow-up project “Innovative power for Green Transition”.

Background: The launch of North Sweden Cleantech took place in 2019, with the ambition to increase the availability of support schemes and innovation environments for cleantech in Västerbotten County and the Municipality of Örnskö@@ Under the guidance of the dissemination of expertise in Umeå and with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund, the project has fostered exemplary cooperation between public and private sectors. This includes key organisations such as Skellefteå Science City and Uminova Innovation, as well as a wide range of partners from cities and regions to energy companies and academic institutions.

Purpose: The aim of North Sweden Cleantech has been to strengthen the region’s capacity to lead in sustainable development by providing business advice, access to key networks and supporting the development of sustainable business models. The project has sought to create a dynamic platform where businesses can develop and contribute to a sustainable societal transition, with a focus on promoting innovations addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

Renewal and Expansion: With the conclusion of the first phase of North Sweden Cleantech in 2022, the initiative took the step into a new era by launching the “innovation force for Green Transformation”. This new project, launched in January 2023, aims to further strengthen the innovativeness and competitiveness of SMEs by seizing the opportunities offered by the green transition. With partners such as the RISE processsum and funding from, among others, the European Regional Development Fund and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, the project aims to make innovation environments and testbeds visible and accessible to promote cooperation and the development of sustainable solutions.

Results and successes: North Sweden Cleantech has become a key driver of innovation and growth in the cleantech sector in northern Sweden. With a business network of more than 100 companies, the project has played a crucial role in supporting business development and promoting sustainable innovation. “Innovation power for Green Transformation” is expected to build on these successes by promoting cooperation and the development of sustainable solutions, with the aim of strengthening the region’s position as a leading player in green technologies and sustainable development.

Why a good example: North Sweden Cleantech and its renewal through the “Innovation Power for Green Replacement” demonstrate the importance of long-term commitment and collaboration to achieve sustainable development. These projects illustrate how regional development can foster innovation and economic growth in the cleantech sector, and serve as an inspiration for other regions that strive for sustainability. By focusing on sustainability and cooperation, these initiatives have helped to strengthen the region’s competitiveness and position as a leading player in green technologies.

Closure: Through continuous renewal and commitment to sustainable innovation, North Sweden Cleantech and the “Innovation Power for Green Renewal” are exemplary on how cross-sectoral collaboration can provide a strong basis for future progress in clean tech. This journey towards a greener future underlines the role of the region as a leading player in sustainable development and innovation, and shows the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for northern Sweden.

Partners – North Sweden Cleantech

Arctic Business, Skellefteå Municipality, Örnsköconsisted vik Municipality, Uminova innovation, Umeå Municipality, Region Västerbotten, Bostad, Umeå Energy, Skellefteå kraft, Vakin, Umeå Municipal Company, Skellefteå Science city

Financier
European Regional Development Fund

Partners – Innovative power of Green Replacement

Uminova innovation, Piteå Science Park, Umeå Municipality, Örnsköconsisted vik Municipality, Skellefteå Science Park, BizMaker

Financiers
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, Västerbotten Region, ÖrnsköSąvik Municipality, Umeå Municipality, Skellefteå Municipality, Piteå Kommun, Skellefteå kraft, Umeå Energi, Övik Energi, Piteå Energi, VAKIN, Umeå Municipal Company